World's Largest Flying Water Insect Can Cover an Adult Human Face

The largest flying aquatic insect on record was discovered in China's Sichuan province. The specimen was delivered to the Insect Museum of West China and determined to be a larger version of the dobsonfly.

The creature has a wingspan of 8.27 inches. With its wings fully extended, this giant dobsonfly can completely cover an adult human face.

Image: China News Service Zhong Xin

These gigantic insects have never been spotted in Sichuan before. They have a keen sense for water cleanliness and will leave a body of water that is even a somewhat contaminated. They typically are found in Vietnam, parts of India and elsewhere in China.

Unfortunately for residents of those regions, the female dobsonflies have been known to bite and draw blood. Although teeth on males can have teeth up to one inch long, they are typically too ungainly to actually cause harm.

Image: China News Service Zhong Xin

The insects' venomous stings cause victims' bodies to swell and can lead to kidney failure and even death.

Mashable
is a global, multi-platform media and entertainment company. Powered by its own proprietary technology, Mashable is the go-to source for tech, digital culture and entertainment content for its dedicated and influential audience around the globe.